Spotted at Plataforma Arquitectura[2], this simple and elegant vacation retreat sits in Santa Elena near Arvi Natural Park, Colombia as a complement to the gentle landscape. Architect Antonio Sofan[3] snuggled the 106 square meter home into the hillside and incorporated a large outdoor deck[4] onto the roof, significantly increasing the home’s living space with a minimum of land disturbance. A pink mosaic tile wall on the decked roof beacons visitors to the unique entrance[5], and provocative pixelated window treatments help keep the design light.

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The home has no cooling or heating system thanks in part to its orientation — windows allow the sun the warm the house during the cooler winter months without baking it in the summer. The recessed home also stays cool as a result of the temperate climate and earth-bermed walls. Reused beams help support the concrete roof. The thin roof was cast in place using bamboo boxes as forms, leaving a unique impression on the ceiling. Up above, the-full length deck overlooks the valley. The interior is finished off with cork flooring[7] throughout.